Pakistan deprived of angel and humanitarian hero – Abdul Sattar Edhi

Pakistan has been deprived of the real hero and saviour. Country’s poor, homeless and orphans have lost a father figure

KARACHI – Legendary humanitarian and Edhi Foundation Chairman Abdul Sattar Edhi passed away at the age of 88 in Karachi on Friday night.

‘Abdul Sattar is dead,’ his son and heir to his charitable empire Faisal told media. ‘My father was suffering from severe kidney problems and both of his kidneys had failed,’ he said.

Edhi’s family announced his death and his son, Faisal Edhi, asked all people to “pray for the departed soul” of his father.

He wished to be buried in the same clothes he used to wear. He also wanted to donate his body parts, but only his cornea can be donated as rest of the organs were not in healthy condition,” he added.

The philanthropist’s son announced that Edhi’s funeral prayers will be offered on Saturday after Zuhr prayers at National stadium, Karachi, after which he will be laid to rest at Edhi village.

Frail and weak in his later years, Edhi appointed his son Faisal as managing trustee in early 2016.

Known in Pakistan as “Angel of Mercy” for his social work, Edhi had established a welfare foundation almost six decades ago that he oversaw together with his wife, Bilquis Edhi.

Edhi Foundation owns and runs Pakistan’s largest ambulance service, as well as nursing homes, orphanages, clinics and women’s shelters, along with rehabilitation centers and kitchens across the country.

Edhi, born to a family of Muslim traders in Gujarat in British India, arrived in Pakistan after its bloody creation in 1947. Edhi, often referred to as ‘Pakistan’s Mother Teresa.’

The most prominent symbols of the foundation – its 1,500 ambulances – are deployed with unusual efficiency to the scene of terrorist attacks that tear through Pakistan with devastating regularity.

Pakistan government has announced state funeral for the legendary philanthropist. The move has been greatly appreciated by Pakistanis.

PM NS announces State funeral & Pakistan’s highest civil award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz for the one &only Edhi Sb. You will be alive in our hearts!

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 8, 2016

Heartfelt condolence messages pour in for Edhi

Social media quickly lit up in honour of the man whose work uplifting the nation’s destitute and orphans cemented his place in the hearts of our nation.

Truly saddened to hear of Edhi Sahab’s passing. He was a noble soul & a great Pakistani. He gave the first big donation to SKMT 26 years ago

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 8, 2016

With legendary Edhi sahib passing away not only Pakistan but the world will mourn the loss of a great human being.May he rest in peace-Ameen

— Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 8, 2016

Aaj insaniyat yateem hogayee….Humanity has been orphaned..RIP the greatest Pakistani EVER…Edhi Sahib…

— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) July 8, 2016

We must never let the message of Abdul Sattar #Edhi die, it is our responsibility to carry out his efforts to create a better world.

— Hadiqa Kiani (@Hadiqa_Kiani) July 8, 2016

Humanity loses its most beautiful ambassador… The world feels a lot less safer now. RIP #EdhiSahab pic.twitter.com/DGTSw8NbVP

— Stars Pakistan (@StarsPakistan) July 8, 2016